Malvaceae
Adansonia digitata
Baobab · Mbuyu
Canopy/Emergment Tree
66 small available right now.
About
This iconic deciduous tree is easily recognised by its massive, often bottle-shaped trunk that stores water, and its sparse, stout branches, giving it an 'upside-down' appearance. It features palmate leaves with 5-7 leaflets, which are shed during the dry season. Large, pendulous, creamy-white flowers open at night, attracting fruit bats, and develop into egg-shaped fruits containing a vitamin-rich, chalky pulp surrounding black seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal as a striking specimen tree or for shade in large Kilifi-coast gardens and landscapes. It thrives in full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic, sandy loam soils, tolerating drought and fire. Due to its eventual massive size and extensive root system, it should be given ample space and not planted too close to buildings.
Growing notes
Initially growing reasonably fast when young, this species becomes very slow-growing and long-lived once established. It is highly drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during the growing season, provided the soil is not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Requires a warm, frost-free environment and a period of dry dormancy in winter.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: missouribotanicalgarden.org, wikipedia.org, oregonstate.edu, tradewindsfruit.com, regenerag.org, earthone.io. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.